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| LIFE IN SOLERA | AUGUST 2023 | 13 What's in a name or number for August? Did you know August wasn't always called August? In the Roman calendar, August was known as "Sextilis," the Latin word for six. It wasn't until 700 B.C. when January and February were added to the calendar, and August was then bumped down to become the 8th month of the year. Next, the number of days changed too. First it was 30 days. Later, 31. When January and February came onto the scene, August got reduced to 29 days. Julius Caesar changed it back to 31, and it has remained that way ever since. While "Sextilis" does have a somewhat naughty ring to it, it was in 8BC when it was dropped and Augustus became the official name. The month was named in honor of Augustus Caesar, the Roman emperor and adopted son of Julius Caesar. Eventually, Augustus was shortened to simply, August. Here's one more interesting August fact – in a regular year, no other month starts on the same day of the week as August. In a leap year, that other quirky month, February, will start on the same day of the week as August. It's interesting the way the days fall within a month, isn't it? August feels so serious, let's have some fun facts about our 8th month. August 1st is Sister Day, National Friendship Day, American Family Day, Llamas Day and National Girlfriend Day. The 3rd is National Watermelon Day, the 9th is National Book Lovers Day, the 10th is S'mores Day and the 13th is Left-Handers Day. Let's not forget … August 19th, National Potato Day; the 21st is International Geocaching Day; the 22nd is National Tooth Fairy Day; the 24th is National Waffle Day; and the 25th is National Park Service Founders Day. August 26th is Women's Equality Day and National Dog Day; the 27th World Rock Paper Scissors Day; and finally, just when we really need it, August 30th is National Beach Day. More floating holidays or monthly celebrations in August are: National Video game week (first week) – Be Kind to Humankind week (fourth week) – Family Fun Month – National Golf Month – National Picnic Month – Peach Month – International Pirate Month. It's no wonder we're tired by the end of summer! This & That Submitted by e Solera Ghostwriters

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